It's hot!? NO worries. LINEN is where it's at. My PROVEN SECRETS for sewing LINEN.

Today, I am sharing over 20 PROVEN tips that will help you sew with linen. It's getting warmer and it's the perfect time to sew with linen... making it LINEN SEASON! Yay!
* This is the second upload of this video. I noticed there was an editing error (tip 16) where a graphic was covering the whole screen. This has been corrected. This video took me several days of eye-watering editing to make and I really want the best version of my work on the channel*
This episode is the second in the new fun MINI-SERIES that will be all about Linen. It'll be fun to watch because it's packed with engaging visuals and examples.
Episode 1 featured:
*How Linen is made from Flax plant
*Different types, blends, weights
*PROs to working with Linen
*CONs to working with Linen
*Best styles that work amazing with linen
*Options for pre-treating Linen at home
During the month of June, I will bring you a variety of content ranging from all the technical aspects above, PLUS:
*Share my linen collection plus pattern pairings
*Sewing pants with linen
*Sewing dresses and tops with linen and much more!
Follow along with the fun series. This is the playlist: • Linen season! All abou...
See all the Linen makes featured on this series in this playlist, I have videos about them all: • All my Linen sewing makes
DISCLAIMER: I don't have a fabric sponsor. I produce sewing content independently from pattern brands and share my unique way of sewing with you, with my own investment of time and resources. I am not providing a paid service to pattern brands nor intend to replace instructions found in patterns with my content. I don’t necessarily follow instructions. My opinions are honest, especially around fit and sewing techniques.
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If you enjoy my work and it provides value for your own sewing, consider supporting my channel. Thank you :)
PATREON: for ongoing monthly support you receive rewards, exclusive posts, videos and full sew alongs from me / liftingpinsandneedles
KO-FI: a one off “coffee” will support ongoing cost of sewing supplies ko-fi.com/liftingpinsandneedles
AFFILIATE LINKS: if you are inspired by my work and you purchase patterns from these links, at no cost to you, I receive a small commission that helps supports my work:
*Love Notions Patterns: www.lovenotions.com/?affiliat... Use the Code KARINA10 at checkout for 10% OFF every day and even during sales!
*Itch to Stitch patterns: itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affi...
*Sinclair Patterns: sinclairpatterns.com?ref=38
*5oo4 Patterns (Five out of four): 5outof4.com/?ref=karina
*Wardrobe by Me patterns: wardrobebyme.com?ref:karinatrinidad
*Green Style Creations patterns: greenstylecreations.com/?aff=18
*Pattern Emporium: patternemporium.com?aff=83
AMAZON STORE: Visit my amazon storefront where I have listed my favorite basic sewing tools (presser feet…..etc)
www.amazon.com/shop/liftingpi...
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Let’s Connect!
Instagram: / liftingpinsandneedles
Facebook page: / liftingpinsandneedlesk...
Contact me: [e-mail]
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MUSIC USED:
Artist: OmgLoSteve
Song: Too Late ft. Addie Nicole
Download/Stream: audiograb.com/00rnG6phv
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
uppbeat.io/t/atm/young-love

[@eh1702]

I just want to say - linen is also a great winter fabric for the same reasons it’s a great summer fabric - it is so good at wicking moisture away from the body. So if you are active in winter - working outdoors, say - pure linen is a great base-layer, especially if you wear wool over it. So if your linen tank top or shirt has finally become a little the worse for wear, or got stains, don’t forget how good it is for wearing with wool sweaters or cardis. You can always re-do cuffs or collars, or remodel a bit.

[@lynnodonnell4764]

I have 'small strokes' every time a new sewing project presents itself - lol no matter the type of fabric

[@donnakelly908]

I don't know if you realize how helpful these videos are. Thank you from one of your faithful followers

[@bugspray1209]

Thank you Karina; my sewing IQ increases as you share generously all that you have learned. I am sure I will have more fun and less problems with all the linen in my stash .

[@betosombrio3377]

Karina, I was in Sidney Australia two day ago, and, there I visit the Tessuti fabric store, and fall in love with their extremely colorful imported Italian pure linens . Yes, it was expensive, but I bought some and when I got back home I will make jackets and shirts for myself. I have done a lot, around 180 shirts for me and my husband, but always using cotton or rayon. So, with the price of the linen, $ 42.00 Australian dollars, I was very worried about sewing it. But afterseeing your tutorials I am much more confident now. Thanks so much. I live in the USA , but I am originally brasilian, and I think that your English is extremely good and your presentations are so classy and clear.❤😊😊

[@janetleeg5763]

Sure did appreciate all of your knowledge and tips in this video for sewing with linen! Thank you!

[@alexandraemrick2799]

I love these in-depth series that focus on one type of fabric, I am learning so much! Thank you! You have inspired me to give linen a try. The tip about the blind hem presser foot for topstitching is brilliant! I need to give that a try too. In the future, can you do a feature on lining? I know you touched on it in here, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who struggles with lining; the different types of fabric to use, the difference between underlining and lining, etc. Once more thing, I have heard that some people block interface the entire linen yardage with very light interfacing, not just the facings to stabilize it. What is your opinion on this? I know it would add to the expense, and is it worth it?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I would 100% recommend interfacing all the pieces of a blazer. I’ve done that in the past …. If not the whole thing, at least the front pieces. It makes a huge different. But for blouses, dresses and pants…. Not necessary.

[@patriciabentley3782]

I'm really enjoying this series about this beautiful fabric. Thank you for all your hard work, it's very much appreciated.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You are so welcome!

[@the.captivatedhomeschool]

Most helpful sewing video I've ever seen. THANK YOU!

[@user-wu7sv6hr7v]

These are wonderful tips!!! Thank you for sharing all your expertise!!!

[@ElizabethFluehr]

I wish I could give you a dozen thumbs up! Your content is so valuable and well-presented. I do believe you when you say it is time-consuming to make these videos! Thank you!!!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thanks! Yes! It took many days to put together.

[@jeannetteantry1086]

I have been working with linen now for a while. I love all the little tips you offer up. For sure I like to test new patterns on other fabrics. I do use fabric that I like and can't get more of. Which means that I have only one thing I can make with that piece. I do have a lot of those types of pieces in my fabric stash and some of them I don't know what to do with. Using them to make mockups works out a lot. This spring I copied a ready-made jacket I bought a few years back and love. I made the pattern for a linen jean style jacket I have been working on in my head. I copied the jacket and made up the same jacket from a fabric I had stashed, and thought would look good for this style. I got it put together and love it more than the jacket I wanted to test it for. Jean jackets are all the rage this year. I did get it finished and it fit well and is so nice to wear. Linen is my favorite fabric right now to wear and sew with. I am almost done with the second jean style jacket. I also have a blouse cut out and ready to finish up with that same linen. I haven't had any problems with my interfacing that I have right now. But shrinkage can be an issue. One on-line store that sells great linen garments is Garnet Hill. I get a lot of inspiration for their clothes. You are so great to share all your knowledge and skills. It helps so much. And you are so enjoyable to watch. I learn a lot from you. You are also a great source of inspiration which is very hard to come by to keep up when sewing gets difficult. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@19Celia57]

Doing the Happy Hampster Dance! I just found a never-opened bolt of 60-63 wide x 8 YARDS linen in my stash!!! This is probably 3-4 yrs old. As a souvenir of travels I usually skip the chochkee stuff and instead go for fabrics and/or yarns. Thanks for doing this series on linen, I probably would have marinated this fabric for who knows how long!

[@2u2a]

Omg that thing about pulling threads in and knotting them instead of back tacking. It is so simple and obvious, I even did it once with some pattern, but I never realised how useful this technique could be. Sometimes the most obvious things might be total revelation to others. I noe feel so silly with all the ugly backtacking and fighting to make it neater. Game changer.

[@carolyngethings]

I love linen but haven't sewn anything with it yet. I bought some recently so thanks for a well timed vlog!!

[@maryt2887]

Karina, I am making a pair of loose linen pants, (sewing with linen for the first time) and came across your channel while looking for tips. I am so impressed with your knowledge and presentation! I wish I were your mother! All the garments you show in this video are amazing. I have subscribed and will look forward to your tips as I continue to improve my garment sewing.

[@DebCanDo]

So nice to hear you mention the wastefulness of leaving an iron on while sewing. They use a crazy amount of electricity and are bad for our environment. Every bit helps! Love your linen series!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Honestly, we are super stingy lol. We don't even turn on the AC to not use electricity. It's very expensive here. We are always turning off lights.... it's a way of life and the iron is included.

[@49lucky]

@@DebCanDo mine turns off automatically in 2 minutes.

[@margaretbeard6564]

Your Sewing abilities are amazing. All the garments you so are so beautiful!

[@deannakrull9220]

So grateful for your content! I have 5 pieces of linen, in my stash, just waiting for this video!😊

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Wonderful!

[@blufaerie]

Omg, Karina! This is sooooo helpful!!! I feel some chambray fabrics need the same precautions. Also, I never thought to reuse cotton selvedge! What a great tip!!!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I can’t get my hands on nice twill tape, so the cotton selvage is gold :)

[@annesullivan1171]

First time I saw your mum, I thought I was looking at me. What a lovely looking lady. Agree with your take on linen 👍❤️

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Oh thank you!

[@krankywitch]

I love all these tips - you reminded me of a few I’d forgotten 🩷 A few decades ago I was told to never use cotton thread for sewing pre-washed linen, unless the thread is marked pre-shrunk. If the cotton thread is not pre-shrunk and the fabric is, after the garment is washed the seams end up all puckered because the thread shrinks.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I just keep it safe and use poly thread for everything :)

[@macquadj]

Thanks Karina! I had so many ‘ah ha’ moments in this video.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I'm glad you got some new insight :)

[@zdenkasykorova182]

Thank you for your nicely planned and executed videos. Your linen series is incredible.

[@cynthiahinton6483]

I’m about to start my first linen garment: a simple top. Those series is so helpful! Thank you!

[@lucillemizuno671]

Thank you. Very informative.

[@sylvieboisvert]

love your linen series. This is my favorite fabric to sew and wear all year long. Thank you

[@tassey]

Love this content. I am in the mockup stage of a pair of linen pants. I have watched many of your very clear videos and this one puts a lot of the tips all together. Thank you so much. I haven't sewed garments for a while and this is very helpful.

[@JulieJones-mi8gq]

I have only 'discovered' you in the past couple of weeks and want to thank you for your great channel. I've been sewing for many many years but even so I have learnt some valuable lessons from your Lifting Pins and Needles. Your garments inspire me and I am very grateful for all the time you devote to preparing each sessions. Keep up the good work, and I will definitely continue to look out for new posts, and catch up with previous ones. Best wishes for 2023.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thank you so much and welcome! There’s hundreds of videos to catch up on and I hope you like them 😀

[@miriamgladen9615]

Very helpful, thank you so much.

[@ginnyrivera2786]

As always, you are an encyclopedia of information. I am loving this series! Thank you for taking the time to make such comprehensive videos, editing and seamlessly adding content from earlier videos. You could easily have a career in filming and editing if you ever tire of sewing. But don’t, okay? Heh heh…

[@sharonrimsza7960]

This is perfect! I have 11 linen projects sitting on my cutting table. The pieces have been washed, dried, patterns have been either printed or copied onto bee paper and adjustments are ready to be done. Then on to my Muslins (I actually wear many of them).

[@Nurse3811]

Wow ! ELEVEN! It’s a year now…. How many did you been make ,? No judgement .

[@sharonrimsza7960]

@@Nurse3811 I have made all but 3. I need to finish two quilts this month and then on to my original 3 pieces…an unlined jacket with a Hong Kong finish simply because I like the way it looks and is finished, a pair of pants, and another short sleeve button front blouse. That printed linen has hummingbirds. Thank you for asking.

[@raspeight22]

THANK YOU!! This is a very thorough tutorial for sewing with linen!! ❤️

[@jessicaargyle6015]

Thanks!

[@jessicaargyle6015]

Best sewing channel with incredible attential to detail. I have about five pieces of linen I've been afraid to cut into,, but you give me confidence!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thank you :)

[@nancyhurt7145]

Linen is my go to fabric. This was informative and I learned to block fuse my interfacings. Thank you for all of your tips and the time spent on linen. Really enjoyed this.💕

[@gulbenalkan]

great video, very informative. thanks!

[@sandrapacino2607]

Thank you so much for these in-depth fabric videos….I also watched the rayon video and gained so much knowledge! 🥰

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@debbies6192]

You always make the most thorough videos. Thank you.

[@susancheer5981]

Great info Karina, and I love the polka dot dress you made your mom. Enjoying your little mini series content, very nice.

[@ShakespeareDoomsday]

I find mock French seams to be way easier on curves than regular ones. My favorite seam finish is double felled seams unless there’s gathering, especially when I’m making something more utilitarian-style and want visible top stitching.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

It’s the larger seam allowance on curves that gets me. I find it very uncomfortable. It’s all preference and I share mine on the channel.

[@teresachapin3650]

Wonderfully informative. Thank you!

[@blueskye23]

Thank you so much for the pointers! I wish I were already an experienced sewist like you and skip over the long journey of learning. 😫. Oh well, I just have to start. Thanks again!

[@stephaniejeffries2348]

Excellent tips. Thanks.

[@lisacoats8812]

Love your linen series!! Keep up the great work!!

[@robyn3349]

Thank you!

[@loriannpayne4483]

Loving your Linen Videos!

[@Nurse3811]

I am sewing my first linen item ( pleated , elastic separate waistband shorts ) and made them first in some quilting cotton( they’re cute around the house) to work out the fit. As I am making these linen shorts I AM SO IMPRESSED with how luxurious they are compared to the muslin . I’ve been sewing 52 years and never used linen ! It’s fantastic , and cooler ( we live in SWFL!) and thank you , THANK YOU for amazing tips!!!

[@brendahunter7298]

Love your tutorials. They have been so helpful

[@grammykcutter6374]

Great tips presented in such a usable form.

[@melissanielsen8215]

I really appreciate all the information you are sharing . I will definitely be watching this again

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I'm going to save this video. Thanks for putting so many good tips all in one place!

[@carolhammond9624]

Thanks Karina!

[@oscar6443]

Wow so much information …. Thank you so much Karina 😀

[@cydmoney12]

thank you for sharing the great content about Linen; it's definitely time to pull some out and add it to my garment sewing endeavors.

[@carolreece9950]

Thank you. I feel really happy to have a go at using linen now 😊

[@christinacharlick1190]

Wonderful video Karina. Thanks so much for this. 🌺

[@louisasmith3430]

Thank you so much. I always enjoy your content. You work so hard to teach us. I appreciate it.

[@dolcedresses5940]

Thank you for sharing all these great tips! I’ll be saving this video as there is so much good stuff!

[@janicek6399]

A great subject! Thanks

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

My pleasure!

[@ulynraj4101]

Thank you from South Africa.

[@retired_early]

SOOO helpful! Thank you so much.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You're so welcome!

[@clarabarton2087]

Your video series is so great! I have learned a lot and sew linen a lot as well living in central Flordia.

[@annasellborn2590]

Love linen, love this series. Have a great weekend 🌷 lots of love from Anna in Sweden

[@mariec9675]

i appreciate very much all your tips. May I give you one about pressing qll the seams: I put an electrical socket with switch on my iron. So I can save a lot of power instead of letting the iron always plugged. I dont know if my explanation is clea, as english is not my mother tongue

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Yes I do the same. I have a switch. But it takes time for the iron to heat up. To do this constantly with each seam is just not time effective. That’s why I sew several and then press.

[@Smackbow]

Love watching your channel. Thank you for all the great information.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

So nice of you :)

[@debd325]

Deb Dion Great info as I have not sewn with my linen yet so I will be referring to your video thank you.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I do hope you give it a go!

[@carolreece1592]

I found this video so helpful - I feel that I could have a go at making a linen top now. I love the feel of linen viscose - so beautiful 🙂

[@Escape10mom]

Great info!! I have some linen to play with!!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Go for it!

[@brenholmes4894]

I am enjoying this mini series. I appreciate all the tips, but I will continue to press every seam before crossing it and using my silk organza pressing cloth. Yes, it's quite pricey, but well worth the £7.50 it cost me. I love it. Your videos are so professional now. Impressive!

[@onlyyou725]

I love these mimi series that you have taken so much time to put together. Thank you. I recently met a couple of young Mothers (new sewing friends) I've sent them to you channel! We are challenging ourselves to sew at least 1 garment from each material series. Super excited! Again Thank you.

[@kerstinshadbolt1003]

Thank you for this in-depth vlog. I haven't had a very good experience with RTW linen garments so have shied away from sewing linen fabrics. It is a shame as you have proved repeatedly how versatile and beautiful linen garments can be. Again, thank you so much.🌷

[@margaretsmith9637]

You can cut the notches out away from seam allowance instead of into the seam allowance.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I know some people do that but it’s extra work. Marking takes only a second to do.

[@carolinedelisle589]

Would love a pattern suggestion for a lightweight, unlined summer jacket in linen. Maybe that is a plan for one of your next videos in this series?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Check out my video on the Canvas jacket from Wardrobe by me. It's not as hard as it seems :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHTMiKZujJ6qgNE

[@jillbull4649]

Only just discovered your channel, seems great. Just one thing on this one - if I use a thin or delicate fabric, I find baking parchment absolutely perfect for ironing, and as it's translucent, you can see what you're doing as well. Just a thought! Shall be watching a lot more of your videos in the future, thanks for this very useful one.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I’ll try to find some of that paper and give it a go. I’m very basic when I cook and I never have those things lying around 🤣

[@2u2a]

I once tried French seaming sleeves, more to just practice and I actually loved the outcome, it is actually great to avoid any unintentional pleats that sometimes happen when easing in the sleeves. So now if I have thin enough fabric I go for the French seams everywhere. It is intimidating at first, but many people might actually love the results, so I encourage you all to at least try it once (I just watched two KZbin tutorials- I don't remember the channels, but one lady used white/cream fabric with some small navy print on it, it was super helpful). And I am not even advanced sewist, I have been sewing clothes for less than two years, as a hobby.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I’ve tried it and that’s why I don’t like it. The beauty of sewing is that over time, we can choose what we like and don’t like and that’s why I have preferences. I do prefer a small seam allowance in the sleeves and also comfort. I found the layers inside the seam uncomfortable, even with tiny snips on the curves. I tried more than once.

[@vernabeckstead5148]

I loved this video. I am sewing a pair of pants with linen/rayon. First time. I was so unsure of the best way to sew the seams. I think I will serge them. After I serge them, Can I still topstitch? I love your videos.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Yep you can top stitch after serging and sewing.

[@sharonrimsza7960]

In my day we called binding the seam edges a Hong Kong finish.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

It's still called like that but I rarely call it like that because not everyone will know the terminology... hence the simple descriptive words :)

[@colleenm6340]

Thank-you Karina! I always enjoyed your linen makes in the past. Great tips on sewing with linen. What is the pattern of your striped top? :)

[@amierikke6225]

Wonderful video! You always share the best tips! I have a question. Is it ok to fold linen, or can that cause a permanent fold when stored in my stash? Take care! I hope your men folk are feeling better! ❤

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I have them stored in “rolls” but when I’ve had them folded, I’ve been able to press out the wrinkles.

[@mikea75201]

I’ve seen recommendations against using fusible interfacing on linen because it’s not supposed to last very long. Has anyone else had this experience?

[@lindaplitt4179]

Love this video. I've got some great ideas now on how to sew with linen. So I just ordered some in the linen rayon blend. Can you t ell us what type of interfacing you use. I know I saw some black in this video. Is it very lightweight?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I use very light non stretch fusible. It does not have a brand. But it’s for garments, not crafts…. Not the paper looking type.

[@lindaplitt4179]

Thanks so much. I will check Amazon. I will say goodbye to that Pellon paper like for sewing of clothes. Ok I'll

[@debm460]

I have beautiful fabrics, but fear prevents me from sewing with them. These segments are helpful, as well as sewing test garments.

[@debbielabounty5825]

I've watched so many of your wonderful videos! I've sewn a pair of the Allegro bottoms in linen and followed your advice. They turned out beautifully! I want to make a second pair but I don't have enough fabric to cut the pants unless I have the pants front facing one way and the back piece facing the other way/upside down from the layout. Is linen directional, or can I cut it out this way? thanks

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I would not cut pants in different directions. They will not feel the same or shrink/stretch out with wear the same. You can cut all the pieces on the cross-grain or all the pieces on the grain but not mixed.

[@debbielabounty5825]

@@LiftingPinsandNeedles Thank you!

[@debbielabounty5825]

@@LiftingPinsandNeedles I think I’ll make shorts instead!

[@sonjanordahl3158]

Thank you for all the tips. A question about lining linen. If you line it does that make it less breathable for hot weather? I'm just getting into sewing and linen is one of the fabrics I want to use for summer heat.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Yes it makes it less breathable only if you line it with polyester. If you use a light cotton lawn it still breathable but less if it was a single layer.

[@sheryllawrence6639]

When you mark notches and circles on garments and then you serge the edges of the fabric don't you end up cutting off the notches after serging ?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

No, because I don't trim away fabric when I serge edges, and if I do trim, it's after sewing the actual seam and then the reference marks already served their purpose.

[@karenmcneil7546]

Working with linen at the moment. It’s so easy to sew. Just a quick question do you always use a needle to take the front thread to the back? I just pull the thread on the wrong side and pull the loop then knot. Should I not do that?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You can do what works for you:) I’ve tried what you say and for me, the needle is faster :) Whatever accomplishes the task is ok.

[@karenmcneil7546]

@Lifting Pins and Needles 🙂

[@alfiyalokhandwala]

Which lining fabric is used for linen fabric?? Is it good to use lining? Or better to sew without lining?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

It all depends on the type of garment. Most are unlined but sometimes a pencil skirt or blazer can also be lined. It’s not bad to use it and it’s your choice. I like rayon bemberg or light weight cotton lawn.

[@cherylberry5982]

If you line linen, doesn’t that make them hotter?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You would not line any type of garment and the goal is not always the same. A fitted tailored blazer or skirt will always look better lined. Plus, lining with silk or rayon keeps the garment cool.

[@cleanqueen75]

I find linen to be scratchy.

[@lynnm.johnson5755]

Soak it in Coke. ( Coke a cola) for a half hour or so. Try a liter bottle. Wash it out. The acid in the coke softens linen. A tip from Peggy Sager.

[@cleanqueen75]

@@lynnm.johnson5755 I love the look of linen pants but I find it wrinkles badly. I made my husband a camp shirt and after he’s had it on for awhile it looks like he slept in it!